SFGate

LizaJane Personally, I would paint all the cabinets white. On the shelves I would add all white dishes/pottery to keep the color flowing thru out the space.

sam0705 In most photos I have seen with shelves flanking the stove, there is only a hood above the stove and the entire area is tiled. I think the set up you have - with the microwave above and the cabinet - is what's making it look unfinished. It looks like there should be tall cabinets on either side of your microwave to the ceiling or maybe at the very least next to the above-microwave cabinet. Then as Liza said you can fill the bottom shelves with some white pottery to fill in the space.

A. Peltier Interiors Yes, I think instead of those shelves it should just be cabinets because the microwave is what is throwing it off. Plus I would also paint all the cabinets white. I think you were trying to add character and interest to the space but sometimes, especially with kitchens, simple is best. They just naturally have a lot going on so keeping it clean and simple is important. On another note, the counters, the white cabinets, and the diamond backsplash look great! Carry out those elements and you will have a beautiful kitchen!

jrdreyer What about glass front cabinets? Should I also change out all the cabinet doors to match? Or do you think as long as they are all white they will flow?

jrdreyer by the way, this space is on the beach in mexico, not sure if this makes a difference.

A. Peltier Interiors I think glass for the uppers will look nice. I see why you chose some of the elements we see now. You were trying to incorporate the beachy feel. I think there are other ways to do it but keep your kitchen simple classic and timeless. I don't want to make you redo anything or go over board but what about this suggestion:
Add all cabinets to the uppers instead of those shelves. They put in seeded glass that has a green/blue tint to it (or regular glass would be great too). Kind of like the color of glass you would find on the beach. Then for the bottom colors, paint all the cupboards and doors the same color but maybe instead of white use that green/blue sea glass color, possibly in a darker more muddy tone. To add in a touch of beach whimsy, you could do starfish hardware and then over your kitchen table do a shell chandelier. Even a wall of grasscloth wallpaper will really add a beach feel to the space but keep it simple classic and sophisticated at the same time. Below are a few suggestions for you to consider.

jrdreyer Yes, we could reface the whole top with glass doors. Maybe we can then take the unmatched doors/drawers on the bottom on sink side and replace with the same type doors as next to stove.
I would like to mix beachy with mexican, but it is proving to be very difficult for me.

A. Peltier Interiors I think you have the right idea but you have to pick and choose where to use these things. I would do a classic beachy look for the fixed finishes, such as your kitchen. Then add the mexican stye to your furniture. This will be much more cohesive. Its not that the two dont match or go together its juts hard to use EVERYTHING in one spot.

jrdreyer Thanks for all your help!

Jayme Hobbs Your crown on top of cabinets could be dark, like your weathered wood.

Kelli Kaufer Designs I abosuletly LOVE the doors your husband made - I would make all the doors and drawers in this but make sure they are all going in the same direction, horizontal. Cabinet frames white, it really accents the wood fronts beautifully! I recommend removing the wall cabinet on the far left and continue your open shelving. You can keep the wall cabinet in the middle. I have all upper open shelving in my kitchen and I do love it! Casual and relaxed look, one that is not for everyone but works for me and my family. You have the beginnings of beautiful, unique kitchen!!!

jrdreyer Here is an updated image after all the changes. Added glass front doors (thanks to my man for making), molding across the top, and finish off shelves with paint. Still on the fence about painting the reclaim wood on the drawers and cabinets to get better flow.

Jayme Hobbs That looks a lot better!! Great job!

cjadorne1 Great job! Would you mind sharing the name/brand of tile used for the backsplash?

jrdreyer i do not have the name of the tile but I got it from mirsa tile in puerto penasco, Mexico. Turned out great.

Beverly Anderson Interior Design I recommend painting all the base cabinet doors and drawers white and removing the two remaining wall cabinets, using only full length open shelves painted white...

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